From Tom Reed:
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Attendance drops for 2011-12, but already showing signs of rebounding in 2012-13: Cavaliers Insider
Published: Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 9:36 PM
By Tom Reed, The Plain Dealer
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cavaliers will finish with their worst home attendance since the season before they drafted LeBron James in 2003.
But the arrival of the team's latest rookie sensation, Kyrie Irving, is increasing expectations and season-ticket renewals. The Cavs' season-ticket renewal rate already stands at 75 percent and is ahead of initial projections, a team spokesman confirmed.
It's welcome news for a franchise that averaged 15,927 fans in the lockout-shortened season -- a 4,185 decline from last season, when they finished third in the NBA in attendance. The home finale against Washington drew 18,086 on Wednesday night.
The decrease was completely expected after James' departure in July 2010 and a 19-63 record last season. The Cavs will finish 19th in a 30-team league, but they still outdrew three playoff teams: Memphis, Atlanta and Indiana. Heading into Wednesday's action, the Chicago Bulls (22,148) led the league, while the New Jersey Nets (13,961) were last.
Cavaliers coach Byron Scott appreciates the support his team received, especially after perusing half-empty arena bowls in some NBA cities
"Our fans have been unbelievable," he said. "Like at almost every arena we go to and we stand up for the national anthem and you look around at some of the crowds. Then we come home and see our crowd and I just shake my head. Same thing in Memphis, a team that's in the fifth [playoff] spot in the Western Conference ... and not even half the fans that we have.
"It kind of boggles your mind at times, but it makes me want to work harder to make sure we get a winner here again, and we will. Our fans have been very patient and supportive."
The play of Irving and the Cavs' ability to stay in the playoff race until the trade deadline helped improved attendance. Things could have been much worse. The team is believed to have had only a 30 to 40 percent renewal rate from the 2010-11 season.